1 - The Black Vault

.DAS4A1(SEC) -
·
From:
lnfo(Exp)-Records1
Sent: 10 September 2001 13:42
To:
DAS4A 1 (SEC)
Subject:
RE: Enquiry about UFO files
The only record from the 1g50s that I am aware of is the infamous 051/JTIC Report No 7 in DEFE 1g;g
(title: Scientific Intelligence). Arrangements have been made to replace the copy on the file with a
photocopy and the original has been allocated to DEFE 44 (provisionally DEFE 44/11g), The report is
waiting PRO clearance before transfer to Kew (hopefully a little later this year).
On the order of files- the Public Record Act lays down no specific instruction.
However, on creation it is good records management practice that filing be in chronological order. When
my staff process files, 2 5 or so years after originally created, they work to the established practice that
files be left in the state that they were created. It is unfortunate if this means the filing can be somewhat
haphazard.
--.OnaiQl age---
From: DAS4A1 (SEC)
Sent: 10 September 2001 12:04
To: lnfo(Exp)-Records1
Subject: Enquiry about UFO files
- ion40I
One of our regular correspondents has asked it "any surviving UFO records from the 1950's have been retained
by the MOD and re-classified under the thirty-year secrecy rule?". I think the answer is no, any records from
that period would be in the PRO, but I thought it best to check with you.
Also he has suggested that we place reports in chronological order to make it easier for them to be searched by
us and members of the public (they are currently filed in the order they are received) . I will obviously explain
the difficulties of shuffling papers on 30 years worth of files, especially as many people write to us about events
that happened months, sometimes years ago and this would result in us constantly calling files back from
archives to insert letters in the appropriate place . I would, however, appreciate your advice on whether records
have to be kept in date order and once placed on a file can enclosures be shuffled around in this manner. 1 know
the PRO is very keen for files to be released in their original state so is there any instructions under the Public
Record Act?.
(DAS4A1(SEC) an ohots)